I, too, had my first Chipotle's experience at the Connecticut Avenue location in DC--I was staying at the Omni Shoreham across the street during the March for Women's Lives in April 2004. I honestly had no idea it was a chain, things looked good and after the march I dragged my exhausted self over to get a burrito. REALLY good, although they wouldn't let me take a beer out with me. There's now a few Chipotle's in Richmond, one about five miles from my house, but I haven't gotten there yet since my husband refuses to eat any Mexican food that isn't fajitas.

i'd have to say i'm anti-chipotle... i tried it once and was totally underwhelmed. i also hate mcds, etc so that doesn't help any-- if i want to eat at a make-your-own type burrito place, i'd rather pay someone besides ronald mcdonald to serve up my grub. i am quite taken with a similar texas (?) chain called 'freebirds' and could eat there daily. great hot salsa too. mmm.

As much as I don't like the Scottish place, I've been to Chipotle's a few times a really liked it. I had the carnitas burritos and carnitas crispy tacos. The pork was moist and very flavorful. I liked the choices of salsas: a red tomtillo, green tomatillo, traditional, or a corn and roasted chile. Hot and tasty. But the deal closer for the was the guacamole. I'm really fussy about it and wouldn't eat it for years because most places made it in a blender or food processor and it was just a paste. But Chipotle had a really chunky style that is quite fresh. I hope their philosophy about supporting local and sustainable agriculture is true.

had lunch at chipolte's in nyc (7th ave & 26th st) last thursday. looked pretty good but all i know is that i suffered for the next 36 hours and i've got a pretty strong stomach. think i'll stick to the taco truck on the corner of 96th and broadway around the corner from where i live. so i guess that's a "i would keep walking"

I have heard of FreeBird's,but I don't think there are any in San Antonio yet.When at the Chipolte in Live Oak,I have always gotten the tacos,carnitas and barbacoa with gucamole.Gucamole was very good and fresh,and I like how the meat is seasoned.Never been sick at the one by me.It's like all chains,some locations very good and others stink.Have to go to Culebra Meat market and by some carnitas and make it myself.

I'm still trying to figure out why this thread about a fast food chain is not in the fast food chain section. Does it have anything to do with being politically correct? If so, then I'd suggest that as long as McDonald's owns it PC doesn't work here.

not all Chipoltles are the same. I've been eating at one in Crystal City (Arlington, VA) nearly every day lately. The salad is fantastic and a good deal for 6.45. I'm low carbing it, so I get the lettuce, peppers and onions, chicken, salsa, sour cream, cheese and dressing. It's a lot of food too. It's very good. And I've had the same meal at the Chipoltle in my old neighborhood in DC (Woodley Park) and the food is not nearly as good. Also, in Crystal City the staff is extremely pleasant, they smile, even the guys at the grill and the prep workers in the back, they all smile, are cheery, and you can tell they all get along. I dunno what it is about this particular location, but all my co-workers agree that the food and service at this one is ten times better than at other locations.

No. Is it good? I know that is a generalization, but it's true because if you go national, you have to change from local vendors to a food supply company for consistency throughout the chain, and fresh homemade recipes go to frozen foods and cans.

Houston's is a mid to upper level restaurant chain, NOT franchised. All products are fresh and top-quality. My brother was a chef with them for 12 years, the kitchen is spotless and quality control is excellent. The food from the baby back ribs to the burgers to the fresh fish are very above average and consistant. Same with the service.

Spinach Artichoke Dip is supposed to be a Houston's creation, and for my money it is still the best I've had. Give it a try sometime. I suppose they have a website showing locations, etc.

Just wanted to correct earlier posts: this place has nothing to do with McDonald's. It is not a franchise or an offshootof McDonald's. It was started and owned by one guy who has turned it into the hottest stock option for fast food at the moment. At least he is in favor of animals treated humanely and buys from places that do, unlike most places that don't care.BTW, It's Chipotle.

Pardon my intrusion but I have lived in San Diego, I now live in Texas and Chipotle my be fine but when all is said, it's a chain, just like Chili's, just like Chuy's and at the bottom of the pile Taco Turdo. I only deal with Mexican restaurants and all that implys. Like Jalisco in Imperial Beach Don Diego in Chula Vista you know the genre. Chains are just that. Can't put lipstick on a pig.

So true, Brisketboy. Should have been clearer that they only buy from people who humanely raise them, in that they give them room to move around and not in small cages so they can't, no antibiotics and fed vegetarian diets. I'm not saying the place is good or bad, I was just clearing up the misconception it is owned by McDonalds, and the guy who owns them seems like a stand up guy.

Just wanted to correct earlier posts: this place has nothing to do with McDonald's. It is not a franchise or an offshootof McDonald's. It was started and owned by one guy who has turned it into the hottest stock option for fast food at the moment. At least he is in favor of animals treated humanely and buys from places that do, unlike most places that don't care.BTW, It's Chipotle.

Exactly nine days after I wrote that Chipotle is owned by McDonald's, on October 13, 2006, McDonald's divested itself of Chipotle Grill. Prior to Oct. 13, 2006, McDonald's was the majority owner of the Chipotle chain.